Woodstock Day School Head of School

Jim brings distinguished experience as a leader and educator to our school. Since 1974, he has held significant leadership positions at three prominent Pre-K through Grade 12 independent schools: the Pingry School, Brooklyn Friends School, and Rockland Country Day School. As the Head of School at two of them, he participated directly in the turnaround of their high school programs, as well as the initiation and development of a Toddler/Family Center program. Both schools had low enrollment at the beginning of his tenure. By the time Jim had completed his service at these schools, both had strong enrollment and vibrant academic programs at all levels.

A lifelong learner, Jim has Masters degrees in Classical Languages, Counseling Psychology, Educational Leadership with a Focus on the Visual Arts (Bank Street College of Education), and a doctorate in Educational Administration from Columbia University. Jim's rigorous professional training is balanced by his work as a published and award-winning poet, including a poem carved in marble in Manhattan's Penn Station. Married to Diane Handlin, a Clinical Psychologist and Educational Consultant, he is a dedicated family man who is equally comfortable and enthusiastic with children of all ages.

Perhaps comments from one of Jim's former colleagues from a previous school best capture what he has to offer Woodstock Day School:

"It would be very easy to list Jim's many concrete accomplishments. From the stellar curricular and technological enhancements evident in the Pre-school through Upper School, to the re-organization of the school's administrative structure; from our wonderful college placement record, to our exciting strategic planning and accreditation initiatives. But his record speaks for itself. What I would like you to know most is that the community is richer for having Jim. He has touched the lives of every child at the school through the depth and breadth of our rich curriculum, and through the creation of a living school, which is manifested in the joy on children's faces as they engage in learning everyday."

We are indeed fortunate and excited to welcome him to the Woodstock Day School community!

With many thanks for supporting our efforts,

Barry Price
Chair, Head Search Committee
On behalf of the Woodstock Day School Board of Trustees